Thoughts on Apple Vision Pro
The keynote of Apple Vision Pro about the future spatial computing is a MUST WATCH (starting from 1:20:37). I never expected that the scenes I saw in cartoons and movies as a child would become a reality, and they will even be available next year! The entire space is utilized, and there’s no need for a mouse or magic keypad anymore. It’s all about eye and gesture controls.
I need to ponder deeply on this, but for now, I would like to share some quick thoughts:
(1) Humans are incredible; we can’t perceive the fourth dimension, but we can repurpose/create in three-dimensional space. The usage of Apple Vision Pro directly breaks through the confines of three-dimensional space, effectively creating an entirely new space.
(2) Apple is amazing. It must have been planning this masterpiece for years. No wonder they started designing their chips a few years ago! The entire series is designed from the ground up, truly reshaping the technological experience and creating an entire ecosystem.
(3) Every time Apple innovates, it also creates a new market. I feel that this kind of thinking goes beyond creating a product or service. Apple truly has a vision for the future world.
(4) Speaking of new markets, such as the App Store, if I were a developer, I definitely would want to participate in designing Vision Pro Apps — it feels like bringing a lot of possibilities and has high potential.
(5) In the future, properties won’t hold the same value as they do now (they won’t appreciate significantly like in the past, but they will retain their value). Vision Pro redefines space… When the entire space becomes a screen and you can project screens anywhere, the size of your home becomes less important. Location is also not as crucial as before. Most collaboration can be done remotely (many people work remotely now).
Do we need everything to be so convenient and close to nature scene then? Vision Pro takes us beyond just traveling; it can also bring us into virtual worlds of forests and mountains or even the entire Disneyland home.
Indeed, the virtual world is different from experiencing nature firsthand or walking around, enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze. However, the importance of location and space may not be as significant as they are because a new space has been created.
(6) Optic ID — I have only heard about the Worldcoin Project wanting to scan everyone’s retinal to create a crypto wallet and give Worldcoins. But Apple’s approach with Vision Pro and Optic ID might be even more convenient — instantly knowing the application scenarios.
(7) Text/articles may no longer be the primary medium for transmitting knowledge and information. When visiting museums/artifacts in the UK, regardless of written text, paintings, sculptures, etc., each era has its characteristics, and things that were once important or invaluable may not continue to be so — like the hand-carved decorations in old buildings, for example. We appreciate them, but we don’t necessarily feel the need for them. These kinds of craftsmanship and techniques are not as in demand in modern times as they were in ancient times.
Recently, I read an article by Yuval Noah Harari, the author of “Sapiens,” expressing concerns about the emergence of ChatGPT, which may disrupt human thinking by making us less accustomed to communicating with our own words.
But upon seeing Apple Vision Pro, I think the learning patterns of the next generation will change. It won’t be through text but directly observing 3D images — for example, how the heart beats or the internal structure of various engineering projects and fluid movements. When we can see clearly with 3D simulations projected in front of us, allowing for magnification and a deeper understanding, our learning patterns may not necessarily rely on words. Instead of explaining with text, using three-dimensional images for illustration maybe more effective for learning.
(8) As far as I know, the ability for “3D perspective” is not widespread. I once read an autobiography by a neurosurgeon who said he had the ability of “3D visualization” and could imagine it in his mind, which greatly helped in performing neurosurgery.
My point is that in the past, most people were not accustomed to this kind of three-dimensional imagination and thinking, but with Apple Vision Pro, it will become a common ability.
One advantage of text is that it can explain things clearly, making thoughts more concise. However, in the future, some items may be explained using images, videos, or three-dimensional projections. This will be a great help to people with Dylexsia.
My only concerns are:
- Will Vision Pro be harmful to the eyes?
- Will the interaction patterns between people change (will there be more or less interaction)?
- People with visual impairments may need to reacquaint themselves and adapt to the world of spatial computing. Asoundscape becoming a lot of noise, which may not provide clear guidance or allow them to understand that space precisely.
(Translated by ChatGPT.)